The Konjo people cluster consists of two groups: the Konjo Pegunungan (mountain group) and the Konjo Pesisir (coastal group). The Konjo Pesisir people are also called Tiro. They live in the districts of Kajang, Herlang, Bonto Tiro and Bonto Bahari in the southeast area of the Bulukumba Regency in South Sulawesi. The Konjo Pesisir speak the Konjo language which has several dialects, namely Tana Toa, Konjo Hitam and Kajang. The Konjo language is part of the Makassar language family which also includes Makasar, Konjo Pesisir (Coastal), Selayar and Bentong. They are a community which maintains traditional ways of living, such as wearing black clothes, not using tools and practicing occultism as part of their animistic worship.The Konjo Hitam (Black Konjo) people, who are included among the Konjo Pesisir, occupy an area to the west of Kajang. The Konjo Hitam consider themselves the original inhabitants and regard their area as the center of traditional customs for all of the Konjo Pesisir. They have never had a king and do not follow a system of social stratification like other Konjo groups.
As with the Konjo Pegunungan, the Konjo Pesisir are farmers. They use the same system of crop sharing as their mountain counterparts. The houses of the Konjo Pesisir can be seen all along the main roads, but there are also houses off the main road and near the unirrigated agricultural fields in the rural areas. Their community is divided into a series of governmental administrative units, the smallest of which has 10 households. The Konjo Pesisir enjoy gathering in groups to discuss a wide range of matters. They are supportive of each other in work, finances, ceremonies, visiting the sick and offering condolences if there is a death. Despite conflicts among themselves, they are united in facing threats from the outside. The Konjo Pesisir tend to be materialistic and proud. They demonstrate a competitive desire to gain more wealth but spend lavishly to impress others. They also feel that they must protect their siri (honor/self-esteem) as well as that of the community.
The Konjo Pesisir are Muslim. However, animistic practices are still maintained and the Islamic religious leader does not have much influence. The people choose him for leading religious ceremonies and duties in the mosque. A dukun (shaman/healer/occultist) from the Konjo Hitam is called to perform ceremonies and to heal the sick. An Amma Toa (old father) from the Konjo Hitam is regarded as the religious leader in the area and is feared because of his magical powers.
The Konjo Pesisir need to be prepared for encountering the changes of the modern world so that they can adapt to the changing world without losing their identity. They need leaders who understand loyalty to traditional customs while also introducing new and beneficial practices. Often, their loyalty to certain customs (i.e. paying for lavish ceremonies, refusal of schools) has been to their own disadvantage.
Scripture Prayers for the Konjo, Coastal in Indonesia.
| Profile Source: IPN, 2011 Copyrighted © Used with permission |
